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empire to pestilence and famine, and all the " bit- 

 terness of death;" in its ravages, mock the devas- 

 tations of Turks, Saracens, and Tartars, and claim 

 mightier trophies and triumphs than an Attala, an 

 Alexander, or a Genseric. 



The colour that vies with the brightest ray of the 

 rainbow, we owe to a species of coccus. Silk, once 

 balanced for its weight in gold, we receive from a 

 moth. What is sweeter than honey ? an insect pre- 

 pares it. These are only a specimen of the benefits 

 we receive from the insect tribe ; but they exalt them 

 in the scale of usefulness. 



By studying the natural history and economy of 

 insects, we shall obtain more enlarged views of the 

 beneficence and omnipotence of Heaven ; and in their 

 protection and preservation, we shall perceive interest- 

 ing examples of that Providence which watches over 

 the minute as well as the vast and gigantic in the 

 universe: nor is it less delightful to contemplate the 

 humble lolium arenaria guarding the confines of the 

 sea, by interlacing and intertwisting the sod that 

 enamels its shore, as if commissioned by Providence 

 to say to its world of waters, " Hitherto, and no farther, 

 and here shall thy proud waves be stayed," than to 

 contemplate the " moon walking in brightness" amid a 

 thousand twinkling worlds of light. If size, indeed, 

 were the touchstone of excellence and the standard 

 of appeal, then, as has been well observed, would " the 

 horse be more excellent than his rider." 



To the natural historian none of the works of Infinite 

 Wisdom can be an object of indifference. Size is a 

 merely comparative term, and is secondary in consi- 

 deration. Loftier views than the measure of a portion 

 of supplied space engage attention, and the whole 

 mental powers ought to be subordinated to the admir- 

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